Heavy Bag with Integrated Wings

ABSTRACT

An integrated wing-shaped heavy bag is illustrated and described. The heavy bag comprises an elongated body having a hollow receiving space and at least one integrated punching/striking wing disposed at a lateral perimeter. A unitary casing facilitates integration of the wing with the elongated body through continuously transitioned adjoining edges and/or strengthening contours. A wing insert is disposed in and substantially fills a wing cavity of the heavy bag. The wing insert is secured internally to the unitary casing by a fastener which minimizes shifting of the wing insert with respect to the wing cavity and the unitary casing.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates generally to sports equipment used forprofessional and recreational training. More particularly, the inventionrelates to heavy bags used for training boxers, kick boxers, martialartists, and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In competitive fighting sports such as boxing, kick boxing, or martialarts, the accuracy of a fighter's punch, kick, or other attack is animportant skill for the fighter to develop to become successful athis/her chosen sport. Fighters and their trainers often make use ofheavy bags during training exercises to simulate the feel of the fighterstriking a live opponent. Physical resistance created by striking asolid object, like a heavy bag, develops and improves the fighter's formmore effectively than some other types of training exercises, such asshadowboxing. Engaging in physical contact with a heavy bag allows thefighter and/or the trainer to evaluate the amount of power or thedesired technique needed to deliver a particular strike. It also allowsthe fighter to exhibit more realistic responses to the trainer'scommands, especially when such commands are being delivered to thefighter at a rapid pace.

While heavy bags were previously used almost exclusively to trainboxers,, they are now a common addition to boutique gyms and, in somecases, found inside private residences. The popularity of heavy bags hasgrown, in part, due to the robust cardiovascular work-out that canresult from their use. If performed properly, training with a heavy bagalso offers the simultaneous benefit of improving bodily muscle tone.

Heavy bags are also useful to individuals who are interested in learningself-defense techniques. The properties of a typical heavy bag oftenapproximate certain characteristics (e.g., weight, size, etc.) of apotential attacker.

While using a heavy bag for professional and recreational training isadvantageous, some characteristics of conventional heavy bags, such asshape, limits the types of strikes or combinations of strikes that canbe delivered to the bag by the fighter. As such, there is a recognizedneed in the boxing industry for a heavy bag to incorporate atear-resistant feature which not only accommodates a larger array oftraining maneuvers, (e.g., upper-cuts, hooks, kicks, etc.), but is alsoable to withstand aggressive and extended impact from fighters withoutrendering the feature inoperative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome problems associatedwith the existing art.

Another object of the invention is to provide a heavy bag having atear-resistant feature that withstands aggressive or extended impact.

A further object of the invention is to provide a heavy bag shaped toimprove a fighter's accuracy and technique while broadening the range ofmaneuvers or training exercises that can be performed in conjunctiontherewith.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a heavy bag havingextended protrusions which maintain their integrity after repeated use.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a novel heavy bag forprofessional and recreational training.

These and other objects are satisfied by an integrated wing-shaped heavybag, comprising: an elongated body defined by a casing, the body havinga hollow receiving space, at least one integrated wing further definedby said casing and having a wing cavity, wherein a wing insert isdisposed in and substantially filling the wing cavity, the at least oneintegrated wing disposed at a lateral perimeter of the elongated body,and; at least one curved strengthening contour defining a transitionfrom said integrated wing to the elongated body.

The foregoing and still other objects of the invention are satisfied bymethods of use of a heavy bag according to the invention.

In some embodiments, the present invention contemplates a generallycylindrical heavy bag having at least one integrated, tear-resistantpunching/striking wing formed on a surface of the heavy bag. The atleast one integrated wing is disposed laterally relative to the centralaxis of the heavy bag and, in embodiments having two integrated wings,the integrated wings are preferably disposed 180° apart from one anotherabout the circumference of the heavy bag's elongated body. The laterallydisposed integrated wing allows the fighter to experience an improveddegree of interaction with the heavy bag during training exercises. Forexample, the fighter is able to spin the bag by striking the integratedwing. The fighter is also able to practice defensive maneuvers, such asblocks, by using a surface of the integrated wing to simulate anincoming offensive attack by an opponent.

The integrated wing is generally designed to improve accuracy and form.As such, in certain embodiments it is sized to approximate dimensions ofthe human head. The integrated wing is also dimensioned to allow forgreater flexibility in the fighter's choice of attack during trainingexercises, including for example, upper-cuts, hooks, combinations ofpunches, and other similar attacks. Furthermore, improved interactionbetween the bag and the fighter presents the trainer with an ability tocall out a broader range of commands when training the fighter.

The invention also contemplates reinforcing the integrated wing by, forexample, incorporating curved strengthening contour(s) along adjoiningedges of the integrated wing and the heavy bag body. A smooth transition(as opposed to sharp angles) along upper and lower adjoining edgesmaximizes the heavy bag's resistance to shearing forces at suchlocations. Including additional stitching, reinforced backing, or othersuitable strengtheners on the internal side of adjoining edges alsomaximizes resistance to shearing forces. Generally, for purposes ofmaintaining the integrity of the heavy bag, it is advantageous toincrease the amount of reinforcing used on the internal side of anadjoining edge when the connection or contour of the adjoining edgeapproaches a tight curvature (or even an angle), as such portions mayotherwise be prone to wearing, ripping, or tearing under certainconditions.

In a further embodiment, a substantially form-fitting mold is placedover the exterior of the integrated wing to absorb forces and minimizewearing, ripping, or tearing to the casing. Such reinforcement is idealfor power training, kicks, or other maneuvers that exert an upward forceon the integrated wing.

The invention still further contemplates a combination of elements usedto secure a wing insert substantially in place (e.g., within a hollowwing cavity of the casing). In one embodiment, the wing insert is heldin place by hook and loop fastener disposed on an interior surface ofthe casing and proximate to where the integrated wing extends from theperimeter of the elongated body. The element(s) used to secure the winginsert within the hollow wing cavity may be any type of strap, fastener,adhesive, clamp, or other suitable device that can be used to maintainthe positional integrity of the wing insert.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

As used herein, the singular forms, “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the root terms “include”and/or “have”, when used in this specification, specify the presence ofstated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but donot preclude the presence or addition of at least one other feature,step, operation, element, component, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,”“including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is notnecessarily limited only to those features but may include otherfeatures not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus.

For definitional purposes and as used herein “connected” includesphysical, whether direct or indirect, affixed or adjustably mounted.Thus, unless specified, “connected” is intended to embrace anyoperationally functional connection.

In this detailed description, references to “one embodiment”, “anembodiment”, or “in embodiments” mean that the feature being referred tois included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Moreover,separate references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or“embodiments” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment; however,neither are such embodiments mutually exclusive, unless so stated, andexcept as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus,the invention can include any variety of combinations and/orintegrations of the embodiments described herein.

As used herein, and unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refersto an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example, a conditionA or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present)and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B istrue (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

As used herein “substantially,” “generally,” and other words of degreeare relative modifiers intended to indicate permissible variation fromthe characteristic so modified. It is not intended to be limited to theabsolute value or characteristic which it modifies but rather possessingmore of the physical or functional characteristic than its opposite, andpreferably, approaching or approximating such a physical or functionalcharacteristic.

For definitional purposes and as used herein the term “integrated wing”is defined as an extension or protrusion which is disposed at anexterior surface of a heavy bag. The term “integrated” connotes that thewing and the body of the heavy bag are formed as one continuous shape,as opposed to separate components that are joined together.

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings, which are shown by way of illustration to the specificembodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The followingillustrated embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enablethose skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to beunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structuralchanges based on presently known structural and/or functionalequivalents may be made without departing from the scope of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view in accordance with an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an interior perspective view in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an interior perspective view in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a wing insert in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a heavy bag 10 having an integrated wing 14 disposedat a lateral perimeter of an elongated body 12. The integrated wing 14and elongated body 12 are defined by a unitary casing 30. The unitarycasing 30 is preferably in the form of a protective leather cover butmay also be made of canvas or other suitable materials.

The heavy bag 10 comprises an upper contour 16 and a lower contour 21,which extend from the periphery of the elongated body 12 to an upper andlower side of the integrated wing 14, respectively. The upper and lowercontour (16, 21) provides a wider base for the integrated wing 14 andimproves resistance to shearing forces along adjoining edges 23 of theintegrated wing 14. A contour, such as (16 21), may be incorporated atany adjoining edge 23 between the integrated wing 14 and the elongatedbody 12 but is especially effective along narrow adjoining edges 23, forexample, the top and bottom adjoining edge 23. The continuous transitionprovided by the contour (16, 21) facilitates integration of the wing 14with the elongated body 12, as no seam is necessary along the adjoiningedges 23.

Nevertheless, integration of the wing 14 may also be facilitated alongnon-contoured adjoining edges 23 (i.e., edges 23 forming a vertex or atight transition) by fabricating the adjoining edge 23 to connect theintegrated wing 14 with the elongated body 12 in one continuouslypatterned section of unitary casing material (i.e., no seams along theadjoining edges 23). A unitary casing 30 that defines both theintegrated wing 14 and the elongated body 12 without the need toseparately cut, stitch, or attach a discrete wing portion to theelongated body 12, as an independent component, has the functionalbenefit of strengthening the wing portion of the heavy bag 10,especially along adjoining edges 23, where an increased amount ofresistance to tearing or ripping forces is preferred.

An interior surface of the unitary casing 30 that wraps the elongatedbody 12 is lined with a core 20. The core 20 is in circumferentialcontact with the unitary casing 30 and, in some embodiments, is about 1inch thick. The core 20 may be comprised of either or both closed cellor open cell foam. The presence of core 20 in elongated body 12 providesthe fighter with a softer and more comfortable punch during work-outs.As such, core 20 further functions as a safety layer to minimizebruises, abrasions, or strains that might otherwise result frombare-skinned or intensive contact with the heavy bag 10.

In some embodiments a filling material 17, such as shredded textile, isdisposed within elongated body 12 and provides the heavy bag 10 with asolid shape and weight. The elongated body 12 may be entirely filledwith filling material 17, which may comprise shredded textile 17, orsand (e.g., in the form of sand bags 18) to increase the weight of theheavy bag 10 beyond what would otherwise be expected from filling theheavy bag 10 with only shredded textile. Likewise, the overall weight ofthe heavy bag 10 may be adjusted up or down by varying the types andquantities of filling material 17 used to fill the hollow core of theunitary casing 30. A standard weight for the heavy bag 10 may be in therange of 75-125 pounds (i.e., roughly 34-57 kilograms). However,entirely filling the elongated body 12 with, for example, sand/sand bags18 can provide a weight that exceeds the previously-identified weightrange.

In some embodiments, the filling material 17 used to provide the heavybag 10 with a solid shape and weight is added through an inlet/accesspanel 24 disposed at the top of the unitary casing 30. While in use, theaccess panel 24 is closed/sealed to prevent internal contents containedwithin the heavy bag 10 from escaping. In one embodiment, the accesspanel 24 is sealed with a zipper but any other suitable sealing orfastening mechanism may be used to contain the internal contents of theunitary casing 30.

In some embodiments, the heavy bag 10 includes a plurality of rings 26,which are preferably made of metal, and which are each respectivelyconnected to a corresponding plurality of nylon straps 22. Rings 26 maybe used to mount the heavy bag 10 to a stand, for example. In oneembodiment, the heavy bag 10 has at least five straps 22 to enhance thecollective load-carrying ability of the straps 22 while also improvingthe collective support provided at connection points between the straps22 and the unitary casing 30. An increased number of straps 22 improvesthe structural integrity of the heavy bag 10 and minimizes the potentialfor any one of the straps 22 to become displaced from the unitary casing30.

At a bottom portion of the heavy bag 10 is a swivel 28 which may be usedto connect, for example, a securing line to the ground. The swivel 28permits the heavy bag 10 to rotate but minimizes swing by way of itsconnection to the ground. Alternatively, the swivel 28 may bedisconnected from the ground such that the heavy bag 10 is only attachedfrom the top by the plurality of rings 26.

FIG. 2 illustrates an interior surface of elongated body 12. A wingcavity 38 is provided for receiving a wing insert 34 (shown in FIG. 3).In an embodiment of the invention, a lower and/or upper adjoining edge23 of the wing cavity 38 is reinforced on the interior surface withfabric, backing, or other material, since a sharp transition between theintegrated wing 14 and the elongated body 12 may create a region in theunitary casing 30 that is susceptible to wearing or tearing. This isespecially prevalent in embodiments where, for example, the lower edgeof the wing cavity 38 approaches a 90°. The reinforcing material (notillustrated) resists upward and downward shearing forces that mayotherwise cause the unitary casing 30 to rip or wear proximate to sharpangular transitions in the unitary casing 30.

FIG. 3 further illustrates the interior surface of the elongated body12. A fastener 32 is provided for securing the wing insert 34 within thewing cavity 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 32 iscomprised of two flaps that are connected by hook and loop fastener, andwhich overlay the wing insert 34. The fastener 32 secures the winginsert 34 from inside the elongated body 12 to minimize slippage from ormovement within the wing cavity 38. Without the fastener 32, the winginsert 34 may shift toward the central axis of the heavy bag 10 overtime, leaving the unitary casing (which is preferably stretched tight)to have undesirable excess loose material about portions of theintegrated wing 14.

Reinforced backing 36 is also applied to the straps 22 at theirconnection points to the unitary casing 30 to minimize tearing orripping of the straps 22 from the unitary casing 30, which may resultfrom extended or intensive use.

FIG. 4 illustrates a wing insert 34 removed from the wing cavity 38 ofthe heavy bag 10. The core of the wing insert 34 is comprised of opencell foam 40. Closed cell foam (not illustrated) may be affixed to anoutward facing side of the wing insert 34 to provide a more impactabsorbent structure. A rubber backing 42 is also affixed to the inwardfacing edge of the wing insert 34 to minimize shifting of the winginsert 34 with respect to the fastener 32 and the wing cavity 38.

Although selected embodiments of the invention have been described inthe forgoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the artthat many modifications and embodiments of the invention will come tomind to which the invention pertains, having benefit of the teachingpresented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It istherefore understood that the invention is not limited to the specificembodiments disclosed herein, and that many modifications and otherembodiments of the invention are intended to be included within thescope of the invention. Moreover, although specific terms are employedherein, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and notfor purposes of limiting the description of the invention.

I claim:
 1. An integrated wing-shaped heavy bag, comprising: anelongated body defined by a casing, the body having a hollow receivingspace, at least one integrated wing further defined by said casing andhaving a wing cavity, wherein a wing insert is disposed in andsubstantially filling the wing cavity, the at least one integrated wingdisposed at a lateral perimeter of the elongated body, and; at least onecurved strengthening contour defining a transition from the integratedwing to the elongated body.
 2. The heavy bag of claim 1 where thecontour provides resistance to shearing forces along an adjoining edgeof the at least one integrated wing and the elongated body.
 3. The heavybag of claim 2 where a width of the contour extends an entire axiallength of the adjoining edge.
 4. The heavy bag of claim 1 where afastener is disposed on an internal side of the casing for securing thewing insert in the wing cavity.
 5. The heavy bag of claim 4 where thefastener is at least one of a hook and loop fastener, a strap, a clamp,or an adhesive.
 6. The heavy bag of claim 5 where the fastener furthercomprises a flap portion which overlays and secures the wing insert inthe wing cavity.
 7. The heavy bag of claim 4 where an adjoining edge ofthe at least one integrated wing and the elongated body furthercomprises a reinforcing member on an internal side of the adjoiningedge.
 8. The heavy bag of claim 7 where the reinforcing member is areinforced backing material.
 9. The heavy bag of claim 1 where asubstantially form-fitting mold removably overlays and mates with the atleast one integrated wing to absorb and disburse external forces. 10.The heavy bag of claim 1 where the wing insert comprises an open cellfoam core.
 11. The heavy bag of claim 10 where a layer of closed cellfoam is affixed to an outward facing side of the foam core.
 12. Theheavy bag of claim 10 where the wing insert further comprises a rubberbacking on an inward facing side of the foam core to minimize shiftingof the wing insert with respect to the wing cavity.
 13. The heavy bag ofclaim 1 where the hollow receiving space is filled with a fillingmaterial.
 14. The heavy bag of claim 13 where the filling material is atleast one of shredded textile, sand, or sand bags.
 15. The heavy bag ofclaim 14 further comprising an inlet for receiving the filling materialto substantially fill the hollow receiving space.
 16. The heavy bag ofclaim 15 where the inlet is sealed by a zipper.
 17. The heavy bag ofclaim 1 where a core layer is in circumferential contact with the casingin the hollow receiving space.
 18. The heavy bag of claim 1 furthercomprising a plurality of suspension members for suspending theelongated body from an upper mounting fixture.
 19. The heavy bag ofclaim 18 where at least one of the plurality of suspension members is anylon strap.
 20. The heavy bag of claim 19 where the nylon strap isaffixed to the elongated body using a reinforced backing.
 21. The heavybag of claim 20 where a distal end of the nylon strap is connected to ametal ring for mounting the heavy bag to the upper mounting fixture. 22.The heavy bag of claim 1 where a swivel is affixed to the elongated bodyat a lower portion.
 23. An integrated wing-shaped heavy bag, comprising:an elongated body defined by a casing, the body having a hollowreceiving space, at least one integrated wing further defined by saidcasing and having a wing cavity, wherein a wing insert is disposed inand substantially filling the wing cavity, the at least one integratedwing disposed at a lateral perimeter of the elongated body, and; afastener disposed on an internal side of the casing for securing thewing insert in the wing cavity.
 24. The heavy bag of claim 23 where anadjoining edge of the at least one integrated wing and the elongatedbody further comprises a reinforcing member on an internal side of theadjoining edge.
 25. An integrated wing-shaped heavy bag, comprising: anelongated body defined by a casing, the body having a hollow receivingspace, at least one integrated wing further defined by said casing andhaving a wing cavity, wherein a wing insert is disposed in andsubstantially filling the wing cavity, the at least one integrated wingdisposed at a lateral perimeter of the elongated body, and; an adjoiningedge of the at least one integrated wing and the elongated body, theadjoining edge further comprising a reinforcing member on an internalside.
 26. A heavy bag as illustrated and described herein, andequivalents thereof.
 27. Methods of use of a heavy bag according to anyof the foregoing claims.